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Kathleen McCartney
Kathleen became the 1982 Ironman World Champion in a dramatic race captured and repeated by ABC’s Wide World of Sports as the iconic example of “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” She unknowingly passed a crawling Julie Moss just yards from the finish line; a courageous dramatic finish that inspired millions, brought Ironman to the attention of the world and elevated the sport of triathlon.
In 2012, Kathleen triumphantly returned to the event that she won 30 years earlier. Emboldened by the Ironman motto, “Anything is Possible,” Kathleen called upon Ironman to recharge her life after facing difficult personal challenges. Drawing on the strength, determination and tenacity training for an Ironman demands, she set out to turn adversity into success. In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the 1982 race, Kathleen’s vision for 2012 included racing with Julie Moss, who joined Kathleen on her journey to Kona.
The former rivals have transformed from competitors to collaborators and are now friends, training partners and “Iron Icons” Motivational Speakers.
Kathleen has been featured on ABC’s Wide World of Sports including an interview with Jim McKay, NBC Sports, The Johnny Carson Show, ABC Superstars, and ABC’s 25th Anniversary Greatest Moments of Wide World of Sports. She has also been featured in National publications including Outside, Runner’s World, Triathlete and Lava Magazine. Kathleen is competing again this year at the 35th Anniversary Ironman World Championship. Kathleen is the recipient of the Competitor Magazine 2001 Triathlon Legend Award, and in February 2013, Kathleen and Julie were awarded the “Ron Smith Female Triathlete of the Year 2012 ” by Triathlon Business International.
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Julie Moss
Julie was a 22 year-old student when she first saw the Ironman on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. In a snap decision, Julie decided to enter the race despite the fact she had no previous endurance experience in any of the three disciplines. That spontaneous choice aligned Julie on a trajectory with Ironman destiny.
Fifteen feet from the finish line, Julie staggered then stumbled before falling to the ground. While she was crawling to the finish line, Kathleen McCartney passed her for the win, but the dramatic footage aired by ABC’s Wide World of Sports featuring Moss’ heroic struggle inspired a generation of triathletes. Jim McKay, the legendary anchor, called Julie’s finish “perhaps the most dramatic moment on Wide World”.
In 2012, Julie Moss and Kathleen McCartney former rivals, reunited to train and race at the Ironman World Championship to celebrate their milestone 30th anniversary in the sport. They discovered a friendship and camaraderie based on a shared history, mutual respect, and their passion for the Ironman, They seamlessly collaborated to create their Iron Icon partnership and pursue the dream to journey to another Ironman finish line. Julie and Kathleen’s return to Kona was met with overwhelming support from both the media and fans, as well as being featured in NBC Sports 2012 Ironman coverage
Julie Moss put Ironman on the map and her courage and determination resulted in the most iconic moment in triathlon history. Julie triathlon longevity spans 32 years, competing in over 20 Ironmans, including a 10-year professional career where she pursued racing and winning triathlons around the world.
Julie was inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame in 1994, and the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame in 2012. Julie and Kathleen were co-awarded Competitors Magazine Triathlon Legend Award in 2001 and the Triathlon International Business Triathlete of the Year award in 2013.
Julie has appeared on NBC’s Survival of the Fittest, ABC’s Superstars, and ABC’s 25th Anniversary Greatest Moments of Wide World of Sports. Julie has been a multi-media sports analyst for ABC, CBS, NBC, TBS, and OWN networks.
Julie has been featured in the following national publications: San Diego Magazine, Triathlete Magazine, Lava Magazine, Competitor Magazine, Self Magazine, ESPN Magazine, and Sports Illustrated.
Julie has worked as an event announcer for Tri California Events and Nike Women’s Marathon.
Julie Co-authored the lifestyle fitness book, “Workouts for Working People: How You Can Get in Shape While Staying Employed.”
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